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Specific heat capacity
Beginner
Heat needed per mass per degree.
Q = mcΔTThe energy needed to raise 1 kg by 1 K: Q = mcΔT. Water has a high c = 4186 J/kg·K, so it's a good coolant and moderates climate.
Heating 2 kg of water by 30 K: 251 kJ.
The substance and the units matter.
In more detail
Specific heat capacity is the energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a substance by one kelvin. Water has a high value, about 4186 J/(kg K).
Real-world uses
- Water is used in cooling systems because of its high specific heat capacity.
- Cooking times depend on the specific heat capacity of the food.
- Water has a high specific heat capacity, which is why it is used in car radiators and hot water systems.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does water heat slowly?
Its high specific heat capacity means it needs more energy to raise its temperature.
What is the specific heat of iron?
About 450 J/(kg K), so iron heats up faster than water.
Why does sand heat up faster than water?
Sand has a lower specific heat capacity, so the same heat raises its temperature more.
Related topics in Heat & Thermodynamics
Area and volume expansion · Anomalous expansion of water · Heat · Molar heat capacity · Latent heat · Calorimetry